Purity and simplicity are quite rare qualities. When "pure and simple" is used to describe something which is in reality challenging and complex, it often accompanies the desire to mislead or to close down argument.

Right-wing columnists are having a field day in the wake of the riots, demonising single parents, benefit recipients and working class people generally. To be consistent in condemning looting, we should criticise not only the rioters but the wealthy bankers and politicians who are looting our society.

The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, appeared on Radio 4 this morning (10 August) and was asked about the underlying causes of the recent riots. He attributed them to a “sense of entitlement” among young people who were showing the effects of a lack of discipline in school.